February 10, 2020 – Concrete Products

Safety survey: Worker involvement, supervisor leadership drive metrics

February 10, 2020 Concrete News

Sources: Dodge Data & Analytics, New York; CP staff

The latest Safety Management in the Construction Industry SmartMarket Report reinforces prior series findings on the high priority of accident prevention while placing new emphasis on the importance of supervisors’ onsite actions and leadership in promoting safety. Prepared with participation from CPWR – Center for Construction Research and Training plus information technology developer Procore, the report reflects findings from biennial Dodge Data & Analytics contractor surveys.

EPA quantifies positive water infrastructure loan program results

February 10, 2020 Concrete News

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

The inaugural Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) annual report shows the program financing more than $3.5 billion in loans behind projects valued in excess of $8 billion and helping improve water quality for more than 20 million citizens. Through 2019, the program closed 14 loans, ranging from $20.7 million to $699 million and saving borrowers $1.2 billion.

Concrete pavement market poised to remain above 50 million square yards

February 10, 2020 Concrete News

Sources: American Concrete Pavement Association, Rosemont, Ill.; CP staff

The American Concrete Pavement Association sees good prospects for mainline paving and overlay projects this year, with overall volume nearly matching last year’s levels. “We expect 2019 market volume to be about 51.5 million square yards. The current projection for 2020 is about 50.2 million square yards. Although this represents a slight decrease of 2.5 percent, the change is attributed to several strong state reconstruction projects and new alignment programs completed in 2019,” says ACPA CEO Gerald Voigt.

NRMCA names Drivers of the Year Award recipients

February 10, 2020 Concrete News

Sources: National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, Alexandria, Va.; CP staff

NRMCA will honor Jose Bermudez, based at the Central Concrete Supply Co. plant in San Francisco, as 2020 Ready Mixed Concrete Delivery Professional Driver of the Year during its annual convention, March 7-9 in Las Vegas. The award and $5,000 check recognize his career achievements, outstanding safety record, professionalism, driving competency and customer service skills—underscored by 36 years without any on-the-job accidents and at-fault accidents or rejected loads.

NLRB affirms legality of Argos zero tolerance cell phone policy

February 10, 2020 Concrete News

Sources: CP staff; National Labor Relations Board

The National Labor Relations Board has determined that a ready mixed concrete producer can restrict employees’ possession of cell phones in heavy-duty trucks, disclosure of compensation and other business matters, and use of company e-mail for nonwork purposes without violating their National Labor Relations Act-defined organizing rights.